Indigo Revolt (Nineteenth Century India)

The Indigo Revolt (1859–1862) was a farmer-led uprising in 19th-century India against British planters' exploitation. Indigenous farmers, coerced into growing indigo dye for European companies, faced harsh conditions, low wages, and forced labor. When many farmers protested or refused to cultivate indigo, British authorities responded with violence and suppression. The revolt highlighted the deep resentment over economic exploitation and loss of traditional rights, fueling Indian resistance to colonial policies. It was a significant early expression of Indian farmers’ struggle against colonial economic control, emphasizing the impact of imperialism on local livelihoods.